"Will you help me?"
Kurose Akira—was genuinely surprised when Elena volunteered to assist him in absorbing the power of the snake scale.
After all, among the serpentfolk, snake scales symbolized a marriage bond.
The Elf Queen had once warned him: aside from Elena, he could choose any other elf, so long as she was willing.
And yet now…
Akira stroked his chin, lost in thought.
His dark eyes fixed intently on Elena, making her instinctively take a small step back, her cheeks faintly flushing.
"W-Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked, her voice tinged with unease.
"I'm wondering whether the Elf Queen will hold it against me," Akira murmured.
"Why would Her Majesty blame you?" Elena frowned in confusion, unable to follow his train of thought.
But then realization struck her, and she quickly reassured him, "Don't worry. What happens here stays between you and me—heaven knows, earth knows, you know, and I know!"
…Well.
Akira glanced toward the distant Medusa Queen.
Perhaps she knew as well.
Still, that wasn't important. As long as Elena was willing, he had no objections.
Besides, it wasn't a true marriage bond—just a means of establishing a connection with the Medusa Queen.
The Elf Queen, far away on the battlefield, would never find out.
"Alright."
Having made up his mind, Akira turned to the Medusa Queen. "How do I use your snake scale?"
"Simply place it between your foreheads. It will naturally transfer the serpentfolk's power to you," the Medusa Queen replied lazily, resting her cheek against her hand. "Though the process may be… peculiar. I cannot guarantee there won't be any unexpected effects."
She had never experienced such a thing herself. As the queen of the serpentfolk, Medusa had no offspring—nor even close kin.
"Then let's try it."
Akira raised the snake scale, preparing to press it against his forehead.
But then he realized—both of them had to touch it at the same time. Which meant…
"What are you hesitating for? Hurry up so we can get back to the battlefield!"
Elena snatched the scale from his hand, pressed it to her own forehead, and immediately leaned in close.
Their distance vanished in an instant. Their foreheads pressed tightly together.
At such close proximity, Elena—who hadn't thought much of it at first—suddenly became acutely aware of everything.
She could feel the heat of Akira's breath brushing against her skin… and those dark eyes locked onto hers.
Ah—!
Flustered, she tried to turn her head away, but Akira caught her face in both hands, holding her in place.
"Don't move! The scale will fall off!" he warned.
"Oh!"
Only then did Elena realize the reason, and she obediently stayed still.
But her heart began racing wildly, like a startled deer crashing through her chest.
They're so close…
Her gaze darted away, cheeks tinged pink. She didn't dare meet his eyes anymore—she just wanted to escape his stare as quickly as possible.
As for Akira…
…Damn.
His gaze drifted downward. Soft, snow-white curves pressed against his chest, their warmth sending his heartbeat spiraling.
He had experienced Ivsha's softness before, but Elena was… different.
Her heart seemed to fluctuate between hot and cold, as if some unseen mechanism regulated its temperature according to her emotions.
It fascinated him.
And it deepened his curiosity about her identity.
A Holy Spirit?
An elven princess?
An elf personally plucked from the Mother Tree by the Elf Queen?
Akira stared intently at Elena's delicate face, his gaze burning with an almost palpable intensity.
That only made Elena more nervous, her thoughts spiraling into chaos.
She had no way of knowing what he was thinking—but if she had to guess…
It had to be something indecent, right?
That was just the kind of man he was… wasn't he?
Even without fully awakening the Holy Light, she could still sense its presence through the fabric…
Haa… haa…
Her breathing grew heavier, warm breaths brushing against his face in waves.
The faint sweetness in her breath made Akira's pulse quicken as well. His head felt hot, a dizzy haze creeping in.
Elena felt the same—his breath against her cheek made her mind go blank.
Neither of them noticed…
The snake scale was melting.
Slowly dissolving.
Gradually being absorbed into their skin.
"Has it begun?"
From her throne, the Medusa Queen watched them with calm, cold eyes.
Even she didn't know what effect the scale would have. But such things were typically used on a wedding night.
"I… I feel so hot…"
Elena's body suddenly flushed with heat. Her pale skin turned faintly pink, and a subtle rosy glow flickered in her eyes.
"Haa… haa…"
Akira remained tense, acutely aware that the scale had vanished from his forehead—and that the Holy Light was beginning to stir.
"You…!?"
Elena clearly felt that blazing heat, seeping through the fabric and into her skin.
But for some reason, she couldn't summon the strength to resist.
She didn't even think of running.
Instead… a strange, inexplicable urge took hold of her.
"What is this scale…?"
Akira's thoughts remained focused on its side effects. He glanced at the back of his right hand, where something flickered faintly—snake scale, or perhaps dragon scale?
As for its effect…
Rather than a boost in power, it felt more like something that amplified desire.
Otherwise, how could Elena possibly…
…kneel before him?
Wait—
What!?
Akira suddenly snapped to attention.
Where were his pants!?
When did that happen!?
"Th-this…"
Elena's entire focus was fixed on the radiant "holy sword" before her. Her eyes reflected nothing else.
She didn't understand why she was suddenly drawn to something she had always found repulsive.
Filthy. Revolting.
And yet…
Ah…
She leaned forward bravely, pressing her lips against the Holy Light…
Akira frowned slightly at her boldness, a faint golden glimmer flickering in his eyes.
Though Elena was inexperienced, she tried her best—earnest, even asking in a trembling voice,
"I-is this… okay?"
Akira's only response was a quiet nod.
This entire scene unfolded clearly before the Medusa Queen.
Her cold eyes flickered with faint surprise—as though she had witnessed something extraordinary.
But soon, she regained her composure. After a brief glance at the dazzling Holy Light that had momentarily shaken her, she settled into watching quietly.
She had never cared much for such matters.
But she did care for power.
For conquest.
Especially the conquest of the strong.
Perhaps she had never been interested in such relationships before.
But today, witnessing this…
She felt something different.
A strange sense of conquest.
Of domination.
For now, she was content to observe—like watching beasts fight within a cage.
"Interesting," the Medusa Queen murmured with a faint smile, propping her cheek on her hand as she enjoyed the increasingly intense "holy battle."
Meanwhile, Akira and Elena, under the influence of the snake scale, were completely oblivious to her gaze.
They clung to each other, sharing warmth.
And…
"Can I…?" Akira gently brushed through Elena's hair, asking softly.
"Mmh…" Elena bit her fingertip, her voice barely a whisper. "Gently…"
"Ah—!"
…
No one knew how many hours passed before Akira's consciousness finally returned.
He clutched his head and pushed himself up from the ground. A notification appeared in his vision:
[Medusa's Snake Scale Oath: +50% Constitution, -50% Pain Perception, +50% Danger Sensitivity!]
"Hiss—damn, that hurts!"
He inhaled sharply as his vision cleared. Beside him, Elena was still unconscious.
Tears lingered at the corners of her eyes.
Yet her face bore a smile.
"What the hell was that scale…?"
Akira frowned deeply. He had never expected things to escalate like that with Elena…
Not once.
Twenty times!
"Damn it! We've been here too long!"
He suddenly realized how much time must have passed.
"Time flows differently here. In reality, you've been here less than half an hour," the Medusa Queen said calmly.
"…That's a relief."
Akira exhaled—then immediately stiffened, staring at her in disbelief.
"You… never left?"
"Mm."
Her light brown eyes remained calm and unruffled.
"…!"
Akira's expression darkened.
He had no desire for a stranger to watch his "holy battle."
Unless…
They were one of his own.
"Enough. You may leave with her at any time," the Medusa Queen said coolly. "Remember your promise. I now possess a fragment of your soul—you cannot escape my awareness."
"…Ha."
Akira let out a breath. Of all things, he never imagined this would happen.
After a moment of silence, he said, "Let's wait. I want to stay until Elena wakes up."
"As you wish."
She cast him a brief glance, unconcerned.
It had been a long time since she had spoken to anyone. This exchange—especially the spectacle she had just witnessed—had entertained her.
The fall of a pure princess into corrupted holy light…
It stirred her dark desire for conquest.
After all, Medusa was never a benevolent being.
"Guild Master Su Xuan," she said suddenly with a faint smirk, "you belong to me now. I have a question."
"Go ahead."
Akira sat beside Elena, watching her condition as he replied.
He was especially concerned—he might have gone a bit too far earlier.
Otherwise, with Elena's physique, she shouldn't still be unconscious.
"Humans are particularly enthusiastic about such matters, aren't they?" Medusa asked. "So much so that you've devised… many techniques?"
"…Huh?"
Akira blinked, unsure how to respond.
Seeing his confusion, she elaborated, "I have no personal experience, but instinct tells me that intertwining tails is all that's necessary."
"Perhaps there are differences between humans, elves, and serpentfolk. But I did not expect you to employ such… a variety of techniques over sixteen hours."
"…Wait, what?"
Akira froze again.
He had thought she merely stayed.
Not that she had watched the entire thing.
Your Majesty…
Do you… have nothing better to do?
"It was merely a passing question. If you prefer not to answer, forget it."
She waved it off casually.
"It's… hard to explain. Please forgive me," Akira said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
How could he possibly explain?
Those "techniques" had been developed with Ivsha—refined through practice, keeping what worked best.
"Su… Su Xuan… where are you…?"
At that moment, Elena finally stirred, groaning softly as she clutched her forehead.
"I'm here."
Akira responded immediately.
Seeing herself in his arms, Elena let out a relieved breath.
Her gray-blue eyes drifted downward.
The crimson stains on her skirt made her brows knit slightly as she shot him a sidelong glare.
Her chastity… had been taken by this man.
But what was done was done.
All she could do now was accept it—and hope she wouldn't bring trouble upon him.
"Can we leave now?" she asked the Medusa Queen, rising to her feet.
"Whenever you wish."
With a flick of her finger, a dark crimson portal opened behind Akira.
"Let's go."
Elena grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward it.
She didn't want to stay here a second longer.
"Right."
Akira followed without resistance.
Just before stepping through, Elena glanced at him—then at the Medusa Queen on her throne.
After a brief silence, she said firmly,
"What happened here must never reach the Elf Queen. No—no one can know. Do you understand?"
"Understood!"
Akira nodded solemnly.
His mouth was sealed tighter than the Holy Light itself.
Even if the Elf Queen tried every trick in the book to tempt him—
He wouldn't break.